Mikki Willis
founder / CEO
Award winning filmmaker/cinematographer Mikki Willis is regarded as a pioneer in the world of transformative media. His passion for uniting creatives inspired the birth of Elevate Film Festival in 2006. During its three year tour the festival earned the title of “the world’s largest single screen film event,” hosting audiences of six thousand plus. The global event served as a beacon to unite an ever-expanding community of philanthropic visionaries, branded as Elevate. Mikki and his crews have produced well over 400 productions, including record setting network television specials, theatrical features, commercials, music videos for multi-platinum artists, and media for some of the world’s foremost scientists, futurists, evolutionary experts, and best selling authors. September 11th, 2001 marked a turning point in Mikki Willis’ life and career. Having been inside the twin towers just hours before they fell, he helped to organize a group of civilians who remained at Ground Zero for 3 days to aid in the search and rescue efforts. It was atop the rubble of the World Trade Center that the vision for the Elevate was born.
Nadia Salamanca
co-founder
As a competitive gymnast and classically trained dancer, Nadia Salamanca understood the tremendous energy and attention to craft that is necessary to succeed in any artistic venture. After studying acting and writing at Colorado University, Nadia relocated to Los Angeles and was cast in numerous theatrical roles and appeared in a host of independent films and television. Nadia’s crossover into production began when she partnered with a top casting agent to assist in the casting of major music videos and commercials. Driven by her life’s mission to create socially and environmentally conscious media, Nadia swiftly worked her way into producing. To date Nadia has produced more than fifty award winning short films and documentaries, as well as music videos for Grammy winning, platinum artists. Nadia Salamanca is co-founder of Elevate Film Festival, Elevate Foundation and Elevate Films.